News of Zealand: Government Looks to Decriminalise Abortion

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Government Looks to Decriminalise Abortion
Justice Minister Andrew Little is looking to decriminalise abortion in New Zealand. Currently the approval of two medical consultants is needed before the procedure can take place, who must agree the pregnancy presents serious danger to the woman’s mental or physical health. Terry Bellamak, National President of the Abortion Law Reform Association told 95bFM it’s important to reduce the taboo around abortion: “With the Me Too movement, and movements to decrease violence against women, it’s going to be the driver that causes stigma around abortion to decrease.” Minister Little has given the law commission eight months to review the law.

AUT Cancels Russell McVeagh Presentation

Auckland University of Technology's law school has barred recruitment representatives from Russell McVeagh from presenting at the university. The firm was due to present to students on March 6, but the faculty decided to cancel, in response to sexual assault allegations at the company. Professor Charles Rickett said in his announcement to students that the school wishes to "support students to transition from university to safe and respectful working environments."

America’s Cup Threatens Big Boat Business

One of the country's biggest marine manufacturers, Southern Spars, could lose its waterfront site to accommodate an America's Cup Village. Southern Spars employs more than 300 people and uses the location, called Site 18, to service superyachts. Chief Executive Mark Hauser says there is no alternative location to work on the bigger boats. Southern Spars supplies 85 percent of the world's masts for superyachts and half the market for large racing yacht masts. Hauser says the ability to have masts removed and serviced will influence how many superyachts visit Auckland.

Polytechs in Crisis
Polytech leaders are having a crisis meeting today as they struggle to work out a cure for the struggling sector. This follows the government warning that half the country's 16 polytechnics will be in deficit in two years and 80 percent will lose money in the next five years. The situation has worsened with enrolments falling by 5,000 students and costs increasing. Sandra Gray from the Tertiary Education said something needs to be done about the funding crisis.The Tertiary Education Commission, the union and Minister Chris Hipkins are meeting today to discuss the next steps.

Apple Farmers Struggle with Backpacker Shortage
Hawke's Bay apple growers are preparing for extra work to cope with an extreme shortage of seasonal workers. Orchardists say they have less than half the workers they need for the harvest season, despite a recruitment campaign. Local hostel owners are suffering from the same shortage of backpackers in the area. Jason Heard, the owner of Rotten Apple Backpackers, says that the growing popularity of freedom camping may be responsible for the shortage.

Dick’s Sporting Goods to Stop Selling Assault Weapons
One of America's largest gun retailers has announced it will no longer sell assault–style rifles or high–capacity magazines. Dick's Sporting Goods made the announcement following the revelation that the shooter in the recent Florida shooting purchased his gun from the shop. Dick's made a similar announcement following the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, but later began to carry the weapons again. Edward Stack, the CEO of the company, says the decision is permanent this time. The move comes amidst many large corporations distancing themselves from the National Rifle Association after the shooting.

North Korea May Be Helping Syria Manufacture Chemical Weapons
North Korea is sending equipment to Syria that could be used in chemical weapons manufacturing. An unreleased UN report has commented that Pyongyang's missile specialists have been seen at Syrian weapon-making facilities. North Korea is under international sanctions over its nuclear programme. The supplies reportedly sent to Syria include high-heat, acid-resistant tiles, corrosion-resistant valves and thermometers. The Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC)—a Syrian government agency—paid North Korea via a number of front companies. Two UN member states intercepted the shipments bound for Syria, with the goods supplied by North Korea's main arms exporter.

More Deaths in Papua New Guinea Following Earthquake
More deaths have been reported following the 7.5 earthquake which hit Papua New Guinea. Transport and communication links to the Highland provinces are still badly disrupted. No official death toll has been released yet, although 11 people have been confirmed dead. All services have been stopped except for the hospital which is only accepting emergency cases. Frequent aftershocks continue to terrify local people, with rumours of another big quake coming. The Papua New Guinea Red Cross is trying to mobilise volunteers to go into the area.

Additional reporting: Leah Garcia-Purves, Darashpreet Johal, Reilly Hodson